This study was to prove that effect different solvent extracts viz. hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol,methanol, hydro-methanol (40:60 v/v) and distilled water of Withania sominifera (WS) on growth of probiotic beneficialbacterial mixture in vitro. A modified disc-diffusion and dilution-broth method were used for antimicrobial susceptibilitytesting of above different solvent extracts and antibiotics. It was observed that only methanol extract of root of WS showinhibitory activity. It was also observed that, ethanol, hydro-methanol, distilled water, hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetateextract of root of WS did not show any inhibitory activity. Otherwise, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts also exhibited toincrease growth of bacteria. So, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts might be used with beneficial bacteria for futureexperimental study (effect of probiotics and WS on uremia) upon synergic action of both plant and bacteria.

Keywords: Probiotic; Herbal drug; Withania sominifera; Chloroform.

2.

Phytochemical Screening and Anti Diabetic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Leaves of Ximenia Americana in Rats

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate scientifically the anti-diarrhoeal effects of methanolic extract ofwhole plant of Polycarpaea aurea Wight & Arn (MEPA) was studied against castor oil-induced-diarrhoea model and smallintestine transit model in rats. Antidiarrhoeal activity of methanolic extract of whole plant of Polycarpaea aurea Wight &Arn was investigated in this study using castor oil induced diarrhoea, Small intestinal transit models in rats.the number ofdroppings and the distance traveled by charcoal in intestine were measured. Standard drug Loperamide (2.5 mg/kg, p.o) wasshown significant reductions in fecal output and frequency of droppings whereas MEPA at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kgp.o significantly (P<0.001) reduced the castor-oil induced frequency and consistency of diarrhoea. The gastrointestinaltransit rate was expressed as the percentage of the longest distance travelled by the charcoal divided by the total length ofthe small intestine. MEPA at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited (P<0.001) the castor oil inducedcharcoal meal transit. The MEPA showed marked reduction in the number of diarrhoea stools as well as a modest reductionin intestinal transit. The results obtained establish the efficacy and substantiate the folklore claim as an anti- diarrheal agent.Further studies are needed to completely understand the mechanism of anti-diarrhoeal action of Polycarpaea aurea Wight &Arn.

The cause of ulceration in patients is mainly due to excess secretion of gastric juice and pepsin. As most of theprescribed synthetic drugs effective in treating ulcer were found to cause some potential side effects, the usage of naturaldrugs were found to be the safer alternatives to cure ulcers. Hence a number of herbal preparations have been used for thetreatment of peptic ulcers. In view of this in the present study Poly Herbal Formulation (PHF), containing the extracts ofOcimum sanctum, Abutilon indicum and Triumfetta rhomboidea were evaluated for its combined Anti-Ulcer activity overEthanol and Indomethacin induced ulcers in rats. Our study shows that PHF has the potential anti-ulcer activity at the doselevel of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg which is comparable with that of standard drugs like Misoprostol (0.012mg/kg) andOmeprazole (10mg/kg) in Indomethacin and Ethanol induced ulcers respectively. The anti ulcer activity of formulation wasfound to be dose significant.

The purpose of this study was to prepare controlled release microspheres of acyclovir sodium using differentpolymers like sodium alginate, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose using calciumchloride as cross linking agent. The microspheres were prepared using ionotropic gelation technique. The preparedmicrospheres were evaluated for particle size analysis, drug entrapment efficiency; In vitro drug release and Fouriertransform infra red spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of study revealed that retention time of acyclovir at its absorption sitecould be increased by formulating it into microspheres using sodium alginate, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose and sodiumcarboxy methyl cellulose in different ratios. The acyclovir sodium microspheres prepared from sodium alginate andhydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose at the concentrations of 1:2:1.5 weight ratios with 2% calcium chloride as cross linkingagent showed the highest drug release of 98.8 % over a period of 12 hours. The microspheres prepared were found to bespherical without aggregation and free flowing. The percentage yield and drug entrapment in all the formulations weregood. The average particle size was found to be within the range of 100-200 micrometers. All the formulations showexcellent flowability as expressed in terms of angle of repose (< 25°).FTIR Spectroscopy reveals that there is no chemicalinteraction between the drug and excipients.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel gastro retentive oral floating in situ gelling system for controlledrelease of levofloxacin hemihydrate (LIG) for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and other micro organismscausing local complications in stomach and proximal small intestine. Polymer based floating in situ gelling systems oflevofloxacin hemihydrate were prepared by dissolving varying concentrations of gellan gum and sodium alginate indeionised water containing sodium citrate, to which varying concentrations of drug and calcium carbonate are added anddissolved by stirring. Calcium carbonate added to the formulation provides calcium ions and carbon dioxide. Calcium ions,due to ion interactions with the polymer, help in gelation. Carbon dioxide entraps in the gel and facilitates buoyancy of thegel. The formulation variables, concentration of gellan gum and sodium alginate significantly affected the in vitro drugrelease of drug from the prepared LIG. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) were used to check the presence of any interaction between the drug and the excipients. The drug release from the insitugels follows the Hixson-crowell model, which indicates a drug release through the polymeric matrix. A stomachspecific in-situ gel of Levofloxacin hemihydrate could be prepared using floating mechanism to increase the residence timeof the drug in stomach and thereby increase the absorption.